The effect of pentoxifylline on central and peripheral haemodynamics--an experimental clinical study.

The effect of an i.v. injection of 100 mg pentoxifylline on cardiac output, stroke volume, heart rate, atrial pressure, pulmonary arterial, pulmonary capillary and aortic pressure in normal myocardial function and in myocardial insufficiency was investigated in 8 patients with peripheral-arterial occlusive disorders. In normal myocardial function there was a brief, statistically significant increase in cardiac output of +9.6% and a simultaneous reduction in total peripheral resistance of -7.6%. No increase in cardiac output was recorded in patients with myocardial insufficiency. None of the other parameters monitored showed any statistically significant change.